Fantasy Writing Prompt Ideas to Ignite Your Imagination

Want to write a captivating fantasy story but struggling for ideas? This listicle delivers specific writing prompt fantasy starters to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you're a novelist, blogger, or student, these prompts will help you craft compelling narratives filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. Explore ideas ranging from portals to other worlds and hidden magical abilities to ancient prophecies and encounters with magical creatures. Launch your next fantasy masterpiece with these targeted prompts.

1. Portal to Another World

One of the most enduring and adaptable concepts in writing prompt fantasy is the "Portal to Another World." This prompt challenges writers to create a story around the discovery of a magical portal that acts as a gateway to a fantastical realm, often drastically different from our own. This journey through the portal often explores themes of discovery, adventure, and the stark contrast between mundane reality and fantastical alternatives. It provides a natural story structure with a clear entry point - the discovery of the portal - and the potential for a dramatic return. This type of prompt works well for all sorts of fantasy subgenres, from high fantasy to urban fantasy and even paranormal romance.

The "Portal to Another World" prompt naturally lends itself to fish-out-of-water scenarios, where characters accustomed to the rules and routines of Earth must adapt to a completely new and often magical environment. This allows writers to explore parallel worlds, alternative realities, and the impact of these unfamiliar settings on their characters. The prompt's inherent flexibility also makes it a great starting point for writers new to the fantasy genre, offering a familiar real-world grounding before delving into complex worldbuilding.

Examples of successful implementation abound. C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, with its portal hidden in a wardrobe, is perhaps the most iconic example. Other notable examples include Lev Grossman's The Magicians, where portals lead to the magical land of Fillory; Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, with its doors between worlds; and Neil Gaiman's Coraline, featuring a small door to the Other Mother's unsettling world. Contemporary authors like Seanan McGuire, with her Wayward Children series, continue to popularize and reinvent the trope.

Here are some specific prompts and tips to guide you in using the "Portal to Another World" concept:

The Mundane Made Magical: The portal appears in an ordinary location - a laundromat, a school locker, or even a refrigerator. Focus on how the discovery disrupts the everyday lives of ordinary people.
The Guardian of the Gate: The portal is protected by a mysterious entity. Is it benevolent or malevolent? What price must be paid to pass through?
The Accidental Tourist: A character unintentionally stumbles through the portal. They have no knowledge of magic or fantasy and must learn to survive in this new world.

This approach to writing prompt fantasy is a versatile and engaging starting point for any writer. By focusing on the character's journey and carefully considering the mechanics and consequences of the portal, you can craft a compelling story that resonates with readers and avoids common pitfalls of the trope.

2. Hidden Magical Ability

The "Hidden Magical Ability" prompt is a powerful springboard for writing prompt fantasy. It centers on a character who, often unexpectedly, discovers they possess latent magical abilities. This discovery throws their world into upheaval, forcing them to confront not only the reality of magic but also the implications it has for their identity and future. This classic fantasy trope explores themes of self-discovery, burgeoning power, and the responsibilities that come with wielding such power, often intertwined with coming-of-age narratives. The protagonist’s journey becomes one of learning to control and understand their newfound abilities, navigating the complexities of a world now revealed to be far more magical than they ever imagined.

This prompt deserves its place in any list of fantasy writing prompts because it offers a compelling character-driven narrative focusing on personal transformation. It naturally combines elements of the hero's journey archetype with the excitement of magical discovery, often incorporating mentorship relationships that guide the protagonist's development. This creates a natural character arc, taking the protagonist from ignorance and apprehension to eventual mastery and confidence.

The Accidental Apprentice: A seemingly ordinary individual stumbles upon a hidden magical artifact, unknowingly activating it and revealing their own dormant magical potential. This act attracts the attention of a reclusive mage who, recognizing the individual’s raw talent, takes them on as an apprentice. The prompt can focus on the challenges of mastering magic while keeping their abilities a secret from the non-magical world.
The Bloodline Revelation: A character discovers they are descended from a long-forgotten magical lineage. This revelation comes with a unique set of powers specific to their ancestry, but also a dangerous legacy they must now contend with. The prompt can explore themes of inherited responsibility and the conflict between embracing or rejecting their magical heritage.
The Gift of Trauma: A traumatic event triggers a latent magical ability within the protagonist. This power is directly linked to the trauma itself, making its use both a source of strength and a painful reminder of their past. The writing prompt fantasy could explore the psychological complexities of using a power born from suffering and the journey towards healing and acceptance.
The Mundane Made Magical: A character discovers that a seemingly ordinary skill they possess – like baking, playing music, or gardening – is actually a form of magic in disguise. This prompt allows for creative exploration of how everyday activities can be reimagined through a magical lens, and how the character integrates this newfound understanding into their daily life.

These prompts offer a starting point for crafting engaging writing prompt fantasy stories centered around hidden magical abilities. They provide opportunities to explore themes of self-discovery, responsibility, and the impact of magic on both individuals and the world around them. By focusing on specific scenarios and conflicts, you can create narratives that resonate with readers and offer fresh perspectives on this popular fantasy trope.

3. Ancient Prophecy Fulfilled

The "Ancient Prophecy Fulfilled" prompt offers a powerful springboard for writing prompt fantasy. This concept revolves around a prophecy, often ancient and cryptic, that suddenly becomes relevant in the present day of the story. Characters are then tasked with either fulfilling the prophecy, preventing its fulfillment, or perhaps even unknowingly playing a role in its unfolding. This creates immediate narrative momentum and allows for exploration of themes like fate versus free will, the interpretation of ambiguous texts, and the burden of destiny.

This writing prompt deserves a place on this list due to its inherent narrative potential and flexibility. The prompt itself doesn't dictate a specific storyline, but rather a framework within which countless stories can be told. It inherently introduces conflict, provides motivation for characters, and allows for deep exploration of your world's history and lore. This kind of prompt easily integrates world history and lore, making it a compelling addition to any writing prompt fantasy list.

Here are some specific prompt ideas using the "Ancient Prophecy Fulfilled" concept:

The Sleeping God: A prophecy foretells the awakening of a slumbering god, an event that will either usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity or plunge the world into eternal darkness. A group of adventurers must decide whether to assist or prevent the god's awakening, grappling with the potential consequences of their actions.
The Lost Heir: An ancient prophecy speaks of a lost heir who will reclaim a fallen kingdom. A seemingly ordinary individual discovers they are this prophesied heir, but they must first overcome their own doubts and face numerous challenges to fulfill their destiny. This could involve mastering long-forgotten skills, uniting disparate factions, or confronting a powerful usurper.
The Weapon of Shadows: A prophecy details a powerful weapon hidden away for centuries, destined to be wielded by a champion of darkness. Multiple factions, including a group of heroes seeking to destroy the weapon and a dark sorcerer intent on claiming it, race to locate the weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.
The Broken Seal: A prophecy warns of a broken seal that will unleash a devastating plague upon the world. A group of mages must find a way to repair the seal or contain the plague before it wipes out civilization. This prompt offers opportunities to explore themes of sacrifice, desperation, and the ethics of magic.

These are just a few examples, and the possibilities are truly endless. The key to utilizing the "Ancient Prophecy Fulfilled" prompt effectively lies in the interpretation and application of the prophecy itself. Consider making the prophecy ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations and misinterpretations. This creates opportunities for characters to question, resist, or even subvert the prophecy, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to your writing prompt fantasy. Use the prophecy as a starting point, a catalyst for the story, rather than a rigid roadmap. This allows you to maintain a balance between the predetermined elements of the prophecy and the choices and agency of your characters.

4. Magical Object of Power

A "Magical Object of Power" prompt within the realm of writing prompt fantasy centers around a magical artifact, relic, or object imbued with extraordinary powers. This object becomes the crux of the narrative, driving character actions and motivations. Stories born from this prompt typically follow characters who discover, seek, use, or even aim to destroy the object. This pursuit often involves quests or journeys, creating natural conflicts over the object's possession and control, and exploring the profound impact of power on different individuals. This approach offers a concrete foundation for building a compelling fantasy narrative, providing a clear focus for both plot and character development.

This style of writing prompt fantasy deserves its place on the list because it provides a powerful engine for storytelling. The inherent mystery and allure of a powerful object naturally fuels reader curiosity and provides ample opportunity for world-building and exploring complex themes. The object itself becomes a source of conflict, a catalyst for change, and a window into the characters' innermost desires and vulnerabilities.

Here are some specific prompt ideas based on the "Magical Object of Power" concept:

The Lost Crown: A forgotten crown, rumored to grant the wearer control over the elements, is rediscovered in the ruins of an ancient city. Write a story about a group of adventurers who race to claim it, each with their own motivations for wielding such power. How does the crown's influence affect them individually and how do their interactions shape the fate of the kingdom?
The Whispering Amulet: An amulet, discovered by a young villager, whispers prophecies of impending doom. However, these prophecies are cryptic and their interpretation is open to manipulation. Explore the consequences of the villager's attempts to decipher the amulet's warnings and the impact their actions have on their community.
The Stolen Artifact: A powerful artifact, capable of healing any injury, is stolen from a heavily guarded temple. The thief, a skilled but morally ambiguous rogue, must choose between using the artifact for personal gain or returning it to its rightful owners, facing the consequences either way.
The Broken Sword: A legendary sword, shattered into fragments and scattered across the land, holds the key to defeating an ancient evil. Write a story about the quest to locate these fragments and reforge the sword, focusing on the challenges faced by the heroes and the sacrifices they must make along the way.

When employing this type of prompt, remember to focus on how the characters change when they interact with the magical object. Consider the object's impact on their relationships, their moral compass, and their understanding of the world. A compelling history or backstory for the object can also enrich the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the writing prompt fantasy.

5. Forbidden Magic

Forbidden magic offers a powerful springboard for writing prompt fantasy. This concept revolves around characters who either stumble upon or intentionally utilize magic that their world deems taboo, illegal, or inherently dangerous. It's a potent ingredient for stories exploring moral ambiguity, temptation, and the often steep price of power. Instead of simple good versus evil, forbidden magic prompts delve into the gray areas of ethics, asking what truly defines "good" and "evil" magic and whether the desired outcome justifies questionable methods. This makes it a compelling choice for writers seeking to explore complex themes of power, control, and the human condition within their fantasy worlds.

Forbidden magic creates immediate tension by placing characters in direct opposition to societal norms and established authorities. The very act of using or even possessing this magic carries inherent risk, raising the stakes and creating natural conflict. This type of writing prompt fantasy often involves secrecy, the thrill of discovery, and the inevitable consequences that follow. It examines power dynamics between those who control acceptable magic and those who dare to defy these established boundaries.

Here are some specific writing prompts centered around forbidden magic:

The Accidental Apprentice: A young herbalist discovers they possess a latent talent for necromancy, a practice strictly outlawed in their kingdom. Faced with persecution, they must choose between suppressing their gift or embracing its power, even if it means becoming an outcast.
The Bargain for Power: A desperate ruler, facing imminent invasion, makes a pact with a shadowy entity to gain access to forbidden magic. The magic grants them the power they need, but at what cost to their kingdom and their own soul?
The Forbidden Scroll: A group of scholars uncovers an ancient scroll containing instructions for a ritual said to grant immortality, but the ritual requires a sacrifice deemed morally reprehensible. Do they risk everything for eternal life, or is some knowledge best left undisturbed?
The Corrupted Healer: A gifted healer, driven by a desire to save a loved one from a terminal illness, turns to blood magic, a forbidden practice that draws upon the life force of others. Their methods become increasingly ruthless as they grapple with the moral implications of their actions.
The Legacy of Darkness: Generations ago, a powerful mage was imprisoned for wielding a destructive form of magic. Now, their descendant discovers they possess the same power. Will they follow in their ancestor's footsteps, or can they find a way to control this dangerous legacy?

These prompts highlight the versatility of forbidden magic within writing prompt fantasy. By exploring different cultural perspectives on what constitutes forbidden magic and examining the complex motivations of characters who use it, writers can craft nuanced narratives that avoid simplistic "dark side" tropes. Learn more about Forbidden Magic and how to integrate a compelling magic system into your world. This approach lends itself to exploring the human condition, asking challenging questions about the nature of power and the choices individuals make when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Examples of successful implementation of this theme can be found in Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea, the blood magic system in the Dragon Age series, depictions of necromancy in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, and the dark magic explored in Lev Grossman's The Magicians. These works demonstrate the enduring appeal and narrative potential of forbidden magic in fantasy literature.

6. Magical Creatures in the Modern World

This writing prompt fantasy concept thrusts traditional fantasy creatures - dragons, fairies, werewolves, griffins, and more - into contemporary settings. Imagine a troll using a smartphone, a vampire navigating online dating, or a coven of witches running a successful Etsy shop. This urban fantasy approach creates a captivating juxtaposition between the magical and the mundane, opening up a wealth of possibilities for storytelling. It's a compelling branch of "writing prompt fantasy" because it allows writers to explore familiar mythological figures through a fresh, modern lens.

The Corporate Minotaur: Explore the life of a minotaur working in a high-powered corporate environment. Perhaps he's a brilliant but volatile stockbroker, struggling to navigate office politics and keep his rage in check during board meetings. How does he handle business lunches? What are the logistics of fitting him in the elevator?
The Social Media Influencer Fairy: A fairy godmother attempts to build her brand as a lifestyle influencer on Instagram, dispensing advice and granting wishes (with limitations, of course) to her followers. Does her magic translate well to video tutorials? How does she handle internet trolls and the pressure of maintaining a perfect online persona?
The Dragon Next Door: A family discovers their new neighbors are actually dragons in human form. They struggle to maintain the secrecy of their magical identities while dealing with HOA regulations and neighborhood barbeques. How do they hide their hoard? What happens when the teenage dragon accidentally breathes fire during a family argument?
The Tech-Savvy Witch: A young witch uses her technological skills to create magical apps and software. Perhaps she develops a spell-checking program for incantations or a dating app that matches people based on magical compatibility. What are the ethical implications of making magic accessible through technology? What happens when her code gets hacked?
The Werewolf Detective: A werewolf detective uses his enhanced senses and transformations to solve crimes in a gritty urban environment. How does he manage his transformations during investigations? Does he work alone, or is his partner aware of his secret?

These are just a few examples of how you can utilize this concept within the realm of writing prompt fantasy. The core idea is to take the familiar and make it strange, grounding the fantastical in the everyday.

This "Magical Creatures in the Modern World" prompt is a powerful tool for writers of all levels, from novelists and bloggers to students exploring creative writing. It allows for the exploration of complex themes such as identity, belonging, and the clash of cultures, all while providing ample opportunities for humor, drama, and social commentary. Works like Neil Gaiman's American Gods, Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, and Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series exemplify the success of this approach. By blending the magical and the mundane, you can create truly compelling and unique narratives within the framework of writing prompt fantasy.

Fantasy Prompt Examples

Portal to Another World

The Laundromat Portal: A character discovers a portal to a fantastical realm hidden within an ordinary laundromat. How does this disrupt their everyday life and the lives of other patrons?
The Guardian of the Gate: A portal is protected by a mysterious entity. What is the entity's nature (benevolent or malevolent), and what price must be paid to pass through?
The Accidental Tourist: Someone unintentionally stumbles through a portal with no knowledge of magic or fantasy. Write about their struggle to survive and adapt in this new world.
The Returning Portal: A portal to a fantasy world, a secret from childhood, reopens years later. The protagonist finds the world on the other side has changed drastically, perhaps for the worse.
The Sentient Portal: The portal itself is a conscious entity with its own agenda. It chooses who can pass and may demand a specific task or sacrifice in return.
The One-Way Trip: A character discovers a portal that only allows travel to the other world, with no apparent way back. They must build a new life or desperately search for another way home.
The Interdimensional Hub: A newly discovered portal isn't a gateway to one world, but a nexus to countless dimensions, each with unique rules, inhabitants, and dangers.
The Mirror Portal: Gazing into an antique mirror, the protagonist sees not their reflection, but a vibrant, different world. One day, a hand reaches out from the mirror, beckoning them.

Hidden Magical Ability

The Accidental Apprentice (Artifact): An ordinary person stumbles upon a hidden magical artifact, activating it and revealing their dormant magical potential, attracting a reclusive mage mentor.
The Bloodline Revelation: A character discovers they are descended from a long-forgotten magical lineage, inheriting unique ancestral powers and a dangerous legacy.
The Gift of Trauma: A traumatic event triggers a latent magical ability within the protagonist, directly linked to the trauma, making its use both a strength and a painful reminder.
The Mundane Made Magical (Skill): A character discovers that a seemingly ordinary skill they possess – like cooking, painting, or coding – is actually a potent form of magic.
The Empathic Echo: A character discovers they can feel the emotions of others as physical sensations. This overwhelming power becomes key to solving a hidden societal problem or a personal mystery.
The Elemental Attunement: During a natural disaster (a hurricane, earthquake, wildfire), an ordinary person finds they can influence the elements, but has no control or understanding of why.
The Dream Weaver: A character realizes their dreams are not just dreams; they can enter, observe, and manipulate the dreams of others, a power coveted by those who wish to control or heal.
The Linguistic Link: Someone discovers they can understand and speak any language, including those of animals, ancient spirits, or even the whispers of the wind, uncovering lost secrets.

Ancient Prophecy Fulfilled

The Sleeping God: A prophecy foretells the awakening of a slumbering deity, an event that could bring unparalleled prosperity or eternal darkness, forcing characters to choose a side.
The Lost Heir: An ancient prophecy speaks of a lost heir destined to reclaim a fallen kingdom. A seemingly ordinary individual discovers they are this prophesied figure.
The Weapon of Shadows: A prophecy details a powerful, dark weapon. Multiple factions, good and evil, race to find it, with the protagonist caught in the middle.
The Broken Seal: A prophecy warns of a broken seal unleashing a devastating plague. A group of mages must repair it or find a cure before civilization collapses.
The Misinterpreted Prophecy: Everyone believed a prophecy foretold a specific hero or doom, but as events unfold, its true, more complex, or ironic meaning is revealed.
The Prophecy of Choice: An ancient prophecy states a specific individual must make a critical choice that will determine the world's fate, but the prophecy offers no guidance on what the "right" choice is.
The Forged Prophecy: A powerful group fabricated a prophecy to manipulate events and seize control. The protagonist uncovers the truth and must expose the conspiracy.
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: A character desperately tries to prevent a dreaded prophecy from coming true, only to find their actions are the very things that ensure its fulfillment.

Magical Object of Power

The Lost Crown: A forgotten crown granting control over elements is rediscovered. Adventurers, each with different motives, race to claim it.
The Whispering Amulet: An amulet whispers cryptic prophecies of impending doom to a young villager, who must interpret them and convince others of the danger.
The Stolen Artifact: A powerful healing artifact is stolen. The morally ambiguous thief must choose between personal gain or returning it, facing consequences either way.
The Broken Sword: A legendary sword, shattered and scattered, is the key to defeating an ancient evil. A quest begins to find the fragments and reforge it.
The Sentient Weapon: A legendary weapon is not just powerful but possesses its own personality, desires, and moral code, often conflicting with its wielder’s intentions.
The Object of Balance: An artifact doesn't grant power but maintains a crucial equilibrium in the world (e.g., between light and shadow, creation and destruction). When it's disturbed, chaos erupts.
The Cursed Inheritance: A character inherits a potent magical object that comes with a terrible curse, forcing them to seek a way to use its power for good while mitigating its dangerous side effects.
The Mundane Object, Magical Purpose: An everyday item (a worn-out book, a simple music box, a tarnished locket) is revealed to be an incredibly powerful magical artifact, hidden in plain sight for centuries.

Forbidden Magic

The Accidental Necromancer: A young herbalist discovers a latent talent for necromancy, a practice strictly outlawed, forcing them to choose between suppression or embracing their power as an outcast.
The Bargain for Power: A desperate ruler facing invasion makes a pact with a shadowy entity for forbidden magic. What is the ultimate cost to their kingdom and soul?
The Forbidden Scroll: Scholars uncover an ancient scroll detailing a ritual for immortality, but it requires a morally reprehensible sacrifice. Do they proceed?
The Corrupted Healer: A gifted healer, desperate to save a loved one, turns to forbidden blood magic, becoming increasingly ruthless as they grapple with the moral implications.
The Legacy of Darkness: A descendant discovers they possess the same destructive magic for which their powerful ancestor was imprisoned. Will they repeat history or redeem the power?
The Necessary Evil: The only way to stop an impending, world-shattering catastrophe is to delve into a universally condemned form of magic, forcing the protagonist to become what they despise.
The Source of the Ban: The story explores why a particular school of magic was forbidden. Was it genuinely too dangerous, or was its prohibition a means of oppression by those in power?
The Hidden Cost of Forbidden Magic: A character uses forbidden magic that seems to have no immediate downside, only to discover the terrible price is paid by someone else, or much later in a horrifying, unexpected way.
The Reformation of Magic: A character believes a type of forbidden magic isn't inherently evil but deeply misunderstood. They embark on a dangerous quest to study it, refine it, and prove its potential for good.

Magical Creatures in the Modern World

The Corporate Minotaur: A minotaur navigates the challenges of working in a high-powered corporate office, from anger management in board meetings to fitting in the elevator.
The Social Media Influencer Fairy: A fairy godmother attempts to build her brand as a lifestyle influencer, dispensing magical advice and wishes to her followers, with mixed results.
The Dragon Next Door: A family discovers their seemingly normal new neighbors are actually dragons in human disguise, struggling with HOA rules and hiding their hoard.
The Tech-Savvy Witch: A young witch uses her programming skills to create magical apps and software (e.g., a spell-checker for incantations, a magical compatibility dating app).
The Werewolf Detective: A werewolf detective uses their enhanced senses and transformations to solve crimes in a gritty urban environment, hiding their true nature from their partner.
The Cryptozoologist's Dilemma: A dedicated cryptozoologist finally finds definitive proof of a mythical creature, but now must protect it from a world unprepared for its existence and those who would exploit it.
The Last of Their Kind: A magical creature, believing itself to be the last of its species, navigates the loneliness of the modern world, searching for others or a way to preserve its legacy.
Magical Creature Rights Activist: In a world where magical creatures live secretly (or openly but marginalized) alongside humans, a protagonist becomes an activist fighting for their equal rights and protection.
The Urban Shaman: Someone living in a bustling modern city discovers they can communicate with and draw power from the spirits of nature and mythical creatures that secretly inhabit the urban landscape (e.g., pigeons with ancient wisdom, sewer krakens).
The Monster Support Group: A group of traditionally "monstrous" magical creatures (a gorgon tired of turning people to stone, a vampire struggling with bloodlust, a friendly ghoul) form a support group to deal with the challenges of existing in human society.

From Prompt to Page: Crafting Your Fantasy Tale

This journey through six compelling writing prompt fantasy ideas - from stepping through a portal to another world, to uncovering a hidden magical ability, fulfilling an ancient prophecy, wielding a magical object of power, exploring forbidden magic, and encountering magical creatures in our modern world - offers a rich tapestry of possibilities. Each prompt provides a unique entry point into the boundless realm of fantasy storytelling, encouraging you to explore different themes, characters, and magical systems.

Remember, these specific prompts are simply springboards for your imagination. The true magic lies in how you transform these sparks of inspiration into fully realized worlds and compelling narratives. Once you've chosen your fantasy writing prompt, crafting a detailed outline or brief can be incredibly helpful in structuring your story. A well-defined brief can help you flesh out characters, plot points, and world-building details before you start writing. A great resource for learning this process is this guide on how to write a creative brief from Creativize.

Mastering the art of developing these writing prompt fantasy ideas is more than just a creative exercise; it’s about cultivating the ability to construct believable worlds, compelling characters, and engaging plots. The skills you hone in crafting these fantastical narratives will enrich your writing across all genres, strengthening your storytelling abilities and expanding your creative horizons.

From intricate world-building to the nuanced development of magical systems, each writing prompt fantasy scenario presents an opportunity to push your creative boundaries. Let your imagination take flight and see where these prompts lead you. Ready to transform these writing prompt fantasy ideas into your next masterpiece? Dive into the world of Shy Editor, a powerful tool designed to help writers organize and develop their stories. Shy Editor provides the perfect environment to nurture your writing prompt fantasy from concept to completion.